Apps

How QR codes and BDO Pay can support the adventurer in you

Balancing cashless, cash transactions

Published

November 26, 2024

GadgetMatch

You’ve probably already used a Quick Response code especially in the last few years. Simply known as QR codes, this technology serves various purposes, from providing shortcuts to online links to filling out survey or appointment forms and more.

But arguably its most popular application in digital space is for convenient and seamless cashless transactions. After all, the advent of technology has made it easier for individuals to manage their banking and finances, as well as to transact practically on a daily basis.

With QR codes continuing to become more prevalent, BDO Pay uses them in many ways to make these transactions – digital or not (yes, cash) even more convenient.

Supporting the adventurer in you

One of BDO’s banking innovations to stay ahead of the curve, BDO Pay strikes a convenient balance between cashless transactions and even scenarios that require the use of cash.

Together with smartphones, BDO Pay can support the adventurer in you by providing fast, easy, and secure payments for whatever you’ll need throughout your trip.

It’s safe to say that smartphones have become the modern swiss army knives for most people. These handy devices serve as their portable cameras, sources of entertainment, communication tools through social media and other platforms, and even mini workstations through Microsoft and Google.

And for enthusiasts going on a quick vacation, a concert, or even watching sporting events or attending a toy fair, all they need nowadays to enjoy their trips are their phones and BDO Pay (and QR codes, of course).

A convenient balance

Suppose you’re at a toy fair at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia and you’ve underestimated how much you actually needed for all the collectibles present there.

BDO Pay lets you transact with merchants as long as they have QRPh. By just scanning the merchant’s QRPh code, you can already pay using the BDO Pay app.

And for scenarios where only cold hard cash is accepted, BDO Pay offers the same convenience. Using the app, just generate a QR code, head to the nearest BDO ATM, and facilitate a cardless cash withdrawal.

You read that right: there’s no need to enter your account details or insert an ATM card anymore. That way, you only need your phone and the BDO Pay app.

Besides, as BDO is one of the foremost banking institutions in the country, spotting a BDO ATM is as easy as 1-2-3.

On an IG-worthy restaurant while out-of-town? Purchasing souvenirs from some of the top tourist destinations here? Need extra cash to extend your trip or fuel your shopping spree?

It doesn’t matter whether you pay in cashless or cash. BDO Pay’s got your back with its QR features.

BDO Pay to beat the holiday rush

Furthermore, BDO Pay makes it easier to send money to loved ones, with free BDO-to-BDO transfers and transfers to other banks and wallets at only P10 via InstaPay.

It may be just a quick trip to the local market or nearby. If ever your friends and family run out of cash to use, it’s easy to send them unique QR codes to withdraw on their own via BDO ATMs.

And with the holiday season fast-approaching, leveraging BDO Pay to send QR codes to your godchildren can be a convenient alternative.

Save yourself the hassle of going out during the holiday rush and let them withdraw it at their convenience. You do not only get to avoid stress but it teaches them how to become more financially responsible as well.

Knowing how to leverage QR codes and BDO Pay together will make everything hassle-free and let you focus on being the adventurer you always dreamed of.

This feature is a collaboration between GadgetMatch and BDO Unibank.

Apps

Apple Music is getting a Liquid Glass makeover

The new logo debuts next week with iOS 27.2.

Published

October 22, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Apple Music is getting a revamp. In one of the tamer things going on with the brand today, Apple has introduced a new design language for its native music streaming platform.

In the midst of all the hubbub surrounding the iPhone Duo, Apple released a change in the visual identity of Apple Music. Rather than a static logo, the platform’s newest evolution offers a dynamic look that melds Liquid Glass and the power of sound together.

Confirmed through a behind-the-scenes video, Apple says that the new aesthetic was made with practical effects. Music producer Fred Again and NEST Acoustics submerged the platform’s logo in a tank of mineral oil and creating ripples with sound. The new language matches well with the chrome aesthetic typical of today’s trends and… well, Liquid Glass, of course.

Apple says that the more ripple-filled version will play before longer content like concert recordings (similar to Netflix’s startup stinger). Meanwhile, a black-and-white version will replace the app’s icon currently colored red and white. Current previews show off a simple logo, but it’s unknown whether Apple is adding a but more elements when the final version drops.

The updated version will debut for users after next week’s iOS 27.2 and macOS 27.2 updates.

Apps

Disney+ strengthens footing as go-to sports streaming app with UFC, NBA, more

ESPN on Disney+ brands itself as ‘new home ground for sports’

Published

October 20, 2026

GadgetMatch

Disney+ is strengthening its footing as a go-to sports streaming app as ESPN on Disney+ is now available in the Philippines, one of its markets with a huge sports-loving fanbase.

The launch coincides with a brand new campaign, “Ito ang Homecourt Mo!” (This is your homecourt!), welcoming Filipino fans to a new home ground for games, stories, and moments.

Subscribers can access live events, on-demand replays, studio shows, documentaries and original programming together in one dedicated destination through ESPN on Disney+.

Production and coverage will be led by ESPN, delivering high-quality broadcasts, commentary and expert analysis across the sports season where available, alongside Disney+ general entertainment and family programming.

Following last season’s success, NBA returns to ESPN on Disney+ with matchups during NBA Tip-Off Week.

Christmas Day games will also be available to stream, including the NBA Finals rematch between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs and the Philadelphia 76ers versus the Los Angeles Lakers.

Playoff games through the conference finals shall also be streamed live and on demand.

Meanwhile, the UFC is among some of the new regular sports programs Filipinos can watch on Disney+.

The action kicks off at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi scheduled on October 25, where two world championship titles are expected to be on the line: UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski takes on undefeated No. 1-ranked contender Movsar Evloev, and UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan defends against former champion and No. 1-ranked Merab Dvalishvili.

Alongside live UFC numbered events and UFC Fight Nights, fans will have access to a library of classic fights and curated UFC content.

There will also be the original and and behind-the-scenes programming, including UFC Countdown, UFC Connected, UFC Main Event, UFC Fight Flashback, UFC Reloaded, and ROAD TO UFC.

A new home ground for sports

Other notable sports programming will include the Formula E 2026/27 season, with practice, qualifying and main races across 21 rounds in 13 host cities.

Also available on Disney+ are NCAA events, including March Madness, and Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL), with all games live across the regular season and championship series.

ESPN’s popular 30 for 30 documentaries will continue to be available on the platform. The line-up also features ESPN studio shows, including ESPN FC and Pardon the Interruption.

Apps

GrabCar Group Ride now splits the fare automatically

Passengers stand to save up to 50% compared with booking a solo ride

Published

October 18, 2026

GadgetMatch

GrabCar Group Ride now splits the fare automatically among passengers, making it simpler to book such ride types.

Each rider can save up to 50% on fare as well when using a group ride, compared with booking a solo ride.

The ride type lets the ride host and up to two friends share one GrabCar, with up to three drop-off points along the way. The more people join, the more affordable the ride becomes for everyone.

Regular ride buddies can also be saved as a group, together with frequent pickup and drop-off pins. This way, repeat bookings take just a few taps.

Such a system is ideal for officemates headed the same way or friends coming home from a night out, as well as plenty of other scenarios.

To book a Group Ride, follow these steps: